CH 139

Chapter 139: Two Young Grandmasters Meet in the Capital, Deciding the Winner!

On this evening, Princess Ziyue visited Lin Beifan’s house for the third time as a guest.

They were in the same study as before.

Lin Beifan looked at the stunning figure in front of him and smiled, “Princess, long time no see. I hope you’ve been well!”

“First of all, congratulations to Mr. Advisor! It has been over a month since we last met, and you have become a highly respected and young sacrificial wine official. You have made history and will surely be remembered in the future!” Princess Ziyue said with a smile.

Lin Beifan humbly replied, “Princess, you exaggerate. I am just a small sacrificial wine official, nothing special.”

Princess Ziyue rolled her eyes upon hearing this.

Indeed, the position of a sacrificial wine official was not particularly remarkable, but you managed to jump four ranks and become a sacrificial wine official within four months. That is truly extraordinary.

Unless someone is blind or brainless, they can see that you have boundless potential.

“I heard that you invented the waterborne weapon, the air-cushion ship, which has enhanced the power of the Great Wu Dynasty. And two months ago, you invented the flying divine tool, the air balloon!” Princess Ziyue sighed, “People say you are a celestial being, and sometimes even I wonder if you truly descended from the heavens. How else could you have such ingenious ideas, profound knowledge, and strategic thinking?”

“These two things were just created by chance, they’re not that miraculous!” Lin Beifan eagerly said, “Princess Ziyue, do you want the manufacturing methods for these two divine tools? I can sell them to you as a package deal for only 5 million! It’s for the cause of the Slanted Moon Dynasty.”

The Empress, who was eavesdropping on the rooftop, was dumbfounded!

This guy!

Until now, you still can’t be content and want to make extra money?

Do you still have any regard for me, for the court, for the Great Wu Dynasty?

The princess was deeply tempted upon hearing this. After all, any major power, especially a nation, would want to possess these two divine tools!

But after some thought, she shook her head and said, “Forget it, it’s too expensive! We are currently preparing for the cause of restoring the nation, and we need a lot of money! Besides, these two divine tools are temporarily useless to us. We’ll consider them when the need arises in the future!”

“Oh!” Lin Beifan disappointedly nodded. He didn’t get to make a fortune from this wealthy woman, which was regrettable.

“Princess, you look in good spirits. Have you encountered something good recently?”

“Of course! Military Advisor, do you know what I’ve been doing lately?” the princess asked with a hint of pride.

“What have you been doing?” Lin Beifan asked curiously.

“During this period, our former Slanted Moon forces have basically relocated to the western martial lands and started a vigorous revolution!” Princess Ziyue said excitedly. “Following your guidance, we secretly used charm techniques to recruit followers in rural areas and small counties, enticing them with land benefits!”

“How’s the situation?” Lin Beifan asked curiously.

“It’s unexpectedly good!” the princess exclaimed.

“Now, we have organized tens of thousands of soldiers once again! Among them, we have selected 3,000 elite troops and started regular military training! We are teaching them some light skills in preparation for future guerrilla warfare and mobile warfare!”

“As for the others, we haven’t wasted their efforts. We specifically assigned them to dig tunnels!”

“Everyone is enthusiastic, and all our endeavors are progressing smoothly!”

“I am becoming more and more confident!”

The princess couldn’t stop smiling.

“That’s great!” Lin Beifan nodded and smiled.

“Everything is thanks to the guidance of Military Advisor! If it weren’t for you, we would be like headless flies, not knowing what to do!” Princess Ziyue expressed her heartfelt gratitude and took out a batch of silver bills. “Mr. Advisor, here are two million taels of silver. Please accept it!”

Lin Beifan quickly accepted the money and smiled even brighter. “Princess, you’re too kind! Today, let’s talk about the strategy of surrounding the cities from the countryside! And how to follow the mass line, unite all possible forces, and resist Duke Wuxi!”

“Military Advisor, please enlighten me!” Princess Ziyue’s expression turned serious.

Then, Lin Beifan started his lecture!

Not only did Princess Ziyue benefit greatly from listening, but the Empress on the rooftop also gained profound insights and was sincerely convinced.

“Sir Lin is undoubtedly a military genius!”

“Even if he weren’t to join the army and engage in battles, he would definitely become a great general!”

“The fortune of the nation lies in having you, Sir Lin!”

When she returned to the palace, she secretly issued a confidential order.

“Keep a close eye on the situation in the Wuxi region! Report to me immediately if there is any unusual activity!”

“Yes, Your Majesty!”

At this moment, the Great Wu Dynasty experienced an unusual calmness.

The various vassal kings who were the source of turmoil, as well as the nations beyond the Great Wu Dynasty, were all busy studying and manufacturing the air ballon, the flying divine tool, and the waterborne weapon, the air-cushion ship, preparing for future wars.

However, at this time, the martial world became lively.

In fact, the martial world was never lacking in excitement.

Fighting, power struggles, and pursuing personal interests were all commonplace!

However, the matters that attracted Lin Beifan’s attention and could rise to the court were generally not trivial!

“Reporting to Your Majesty, the Great Xia Dynasty has produced a young swordsmanship grandmaster, Shangguan Jianhun, who claims to be a sword immortal! He has traveled from the west and entered our Great Wu territory, defeating all the top martial artists!”

“The Great Yan Dynasty has also produced a young saber mastery grandmaster, Ouyang Badao, who calls himself the Saber Saint! He has traveled from the east and within our Great Wu territory, he has similarly defeated all the invincible opponents!”

“They seem to have an unspoken agreement and are preparing to meet in the capital to determine the superior! The situation is serious, please be aware, Your Majesty!” The chief head-catcher of the Six Doors, responsible for managing martial arts matters, reported to the Empress.

After hearing this news, the faces of the court officials changed.

Grandmasters were not ordinary experts!

They were the top-notch experts of the martial world, capable of single-handedly facing thousands of soldiers and horses.

Their destructive power was too strong!

If they were to really have a showdown in the capital, it would definitely ruin the city and bring disgrace to the imperial court!

The Empress was furious, “Since ancient times, chivalry has violated the law with martial arts! One comes from the Great Xia, and the other comes from the Great Yan. They must be the two dynasties secretly fanning the flames and taking advantage of the opportunity to cause chaos in our Great Wu Dynasty! Do they really think our Great Wu Dynasty is weak and powerless?”

“Your Majesty, please forgive me!” The chief head-catcher of the Six Doors bowed his head.

“You are not guilty. Why would I blame you?”

The Empress spoke loudly, “Guo, pay close attention to the movements of these two individuals and report the situation at any time! When necessary, I will send the imperial envoys to assist you!”

“Yes, Your Majesty!” The chief head-catcher of the Six Doors accepted the order.

Lin Beifan was a sacrificial wine official, responsible for teaching and educating people in literary and moral. This matter had nothing to do with him, so he went home after attending the morning court.

However, when he returned home, he found everyone discussing this matter.

The young princess ran over, bouncing with excitement. “Lin Beifan, do you know? Two young grandmasters have emerged from the neighboring Great Yan and Great Xia dynasties. They have defeated all the invincible opponents they encountered along the way, and they are preparing to meet and determine the superior!”

Lin Beifan nodded and smiled. “Yes, I heard about it during the morning court today!”

“The clash between the two grandmasters, I really want to witness it!” Mo Rushuang tightened her grip on the sword in her hand, lost in her reverie.

“Yes, yes!” Guo Shaoshuai nodded excitedly.

Lin Beifan was also looking forward to it. After all, encountering a grandmaster was rare, let alone witnessing a duel between grandmasters.

Of course, it would be even better if they didn’t have the duel in the capital.

“Lin Beifan, who do you think will win?” the young princess asked eagerly.

“I don’t care who wins or loses,” Lin Beifan smiled faintly. “I’m just here to enjoy the show!”

As time passed, the popularity of these two young grandmasters grew, and the entire capital city began discussing the matter.

“Do you know? The Great Xia and Great Yan each have a young grandmaster under 30 years old. One excels in swordsmanship, and the other excels in saber techniques. They have defeated all opponents throughout the realm and are preparing to meet for a decisive battle!”

“That Shangguan Jianhun is particularly formidable! It is said that he once used a single sword to cut off a hundred-foot waterfall. The sword’s aura remained on the rocky shore of the waterfall and never dissipated!”

“And that Ouyang Badao’s saber is incredibly domineering and terrifying! It is said that over a thousand bandits who didn’t recognize heroes tried to rob him. In the end, the Saber Saint made a single strike, cutting all the bandits in half, and the blood flowed like a river!”

“These two individuals are truly extraordinary! Their battle is bound to be highly anticipated!”

“I wonder if our Great Wu has any young grandmasters who can match them?”

…

Everyone was discussing and even placing bets on who would win or lose. However, compared to the lively atmosphere outside, the atmosphere in the court was tense, with preparations being made for any eventuality.

“Your Majesty, they have already declared their intention to meet in the capital and decide the outcome. I have sent people to persuade them, but it had no effect!” the chief head-catcher of the Six Doors reported, sweat forming on his face.

The expressions of the officials also became grave. Two grandmasters dueling in the capital was not a good situation. If things escalated and they lost control, countless lives could be lost. Moreover, the dignity of the court would be trampled upon.

“This is unacceptable! They are intentionally provoking our Great Wu court! Since they are so eager for death, I will grant their wish!” the empress said angrily. “Guo, I will send two court envoys to assist you!”

“Thank you, Your Majesty!” the chief head-catcher of the Six Doors breathed a sigh of relief. Being appointed as court envoys meant they were at least grandmasters. With this, they would have the power to confront these two young grandmasters.

When the chief head-catcher of the Six Doors, accompanied by the two court envoys, went to find them, the two grandmasters had vanished without a trace. When a grandmaster wanted to hide, they were generally difficult to find. However, their challenge had already been issued. Meeting in the capital for a decisive battle!

As a result, the capital became even livelier, and everyone was discussing the matter. More martial arts experts came, eager to witness the battle between the grandmasters. With the influx of martial artists, the likelihood of unrest and chaos increased. The principle of using martial arts to challenge authority was not just empty words.

For example, Lin Beifan came across two young warriors who wanted to do justice and rob the rich to help the poor. But they had the great misfortune to run into an old monk who was watching over his family and was knocked out and sent to the authorities.

“Jing Tai, the capital is quite chaotic these days. Take care of things at home,” Lin Beifan instructed.

“Yes, Master!” the old monk folded his hands together. “However, Master, it’s also dangerous for you. Let me serve and protect you.”

“I don’t need it!” Lin Beifan shook his head. “Rushuang and the Shaoshuai are enough.”

“Yes, Master!” the old monk no longer insisted.

Although the capital was in chaos, Lin Beifan still leisurely went out. With his current strength, there were few people in the world who could harm him. Even if they were grandmasters, he could fight them head-on.

Just then, Lin Beifan noticed a person on the rooftop of a nearby tavern, drinking alone. He was dressed in a white robe, with his hair flowing behind him, thick and lush. He had two black beards, and his entire presence was extraordinary, like a sharp sword.

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The chief head-catcher of the Six Doors, also known as the Chief of the Six Divisions, is a high-ranking official in the imperial court of ancient China. The Six Doors, or the Six Divisions, refer to the six major branches of the imperial law enforcement and intelligence agency during that time. These divisions were responsible for maintaining law and order, conducting investigations, and apprehending criminals.

The Six Divisions typically included:

1. Jingdou Wei (Capital City Guards): Responsible for maintaining security and order within the capital city.

2. Jin Yi Wei (Embroidered Uniform Guards): An elite special forces unit tasked with protecting the emperor and carrying out secret missions.

3. Shen Yi Bu (Censorate): Responsible for conducting investigations into corruption and malfeasance among officials.

4. Ji Bu (Imperial Secretariat): In charge of the imperial archives, official documents, and communications.

5. Li Bu (Court of Judicial Review): Responsible for overseeing the judicial system, handling legal cases, and conducting trials.

6. Dongchang Bu (Eastern Depot): Responsible for conducting espionage, gathering intelligence, and dealing with internal security threats.

The chief head-catcher, as the leader of the Six Doors, held significant authority and was responsible for managing and coordinating the activities of the various divisions to ensure the security and stability of the empire. They reported directly to the emperor or the highest-ranking officials in the imperial court.